Regulating certain ultraviolet radiation-emitting and ozone-generating devices under the Pest Control Products Act: Devices not subject to the Act

UV radiation-emitting and ozone-generating devices are exempt from the Pest Control Products Act and its Regulations if they:

• meet the definition of a device in section 2 of the Food and Drugs Act and
• are classified as a Class II, III or IV medical device under the Medical Devices Regulations (MDR)

These include:

• UV radiation-emitting or ozone-generating devices sold or used to disinfect a medical device (for example, personal protective equipment, ultrasound probes, endoscopes), that is regulated as a Class II device and is subject to regulation under the MDR
• UV radiation-emitting devices used as a therapeutic device (for example, to treat skin conditions)

For more information or guidance on the MDR or medical devices subject to these Regulations, please email meddevices-instrumentsmed@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Also excluded are UV radiation-emitting or ozone-generating devices used to improve air quality by deodorizing or eliminating odours associated with cigarettes, cooking or pets (subject to the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act). For more information on consumer products, please email cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca

At this time, the amendments to the PCPR do not capture UV radiation-emitting devices and ozone-generating devices used to

• control or kill plant or animal pathogens (for example, greenhouse settings), or
• control, destroy or inactivate viruses, bacteria or other micro-organisms that are human pathogens or reduce the levels in swimming pools, spas, wastewater treatment systems or drinking water treatment systems

Health Canada does not recommend specific brands of drinking water treatment devices. However, we strongly recommend that consumers look for a mark or label indicating the device:

• has been certified by an accredited certification body and
• meets the appropriate National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)/American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards

These standards have been designed to safeguard drinking water by helping to ensure the safety and performance of products that come into contact with drinking water.

Municipal water treatment is regulated at the provincial or territorial level. For information on the acceptability of UV-emitting or ozone-generating devices in municipal water treatment, please contact the appropriate provincial or territorial authority.

Related links

• Notice to industry: Regulatory requirements for UV light-emitting products with COVID-19 claims